2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand

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2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
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2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
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                                                                                                         Tonight’s Grand Final
                                                    ®

                                        MISSVUNIVERSE
                                           NEW ZEALAND

                        The Miss Universe New Zealand
                           Grand Final Charity Gala
                              SKYCITY Theatre
                         Saturday 12th August, 7.30 p.m.
                                    The Pre-Show
                 Introduction from the Executive Producer Nigel Godfrey

                                         The Show
                           Opening Number – Meet the Finalists
                                Meet your Hosts and the Judges
                                     The Year in Review
                                    Performance from Razé
                         Pacific Fusion, in collaboration with Sewtec
                                  The Swimwear Collection
                       Illusionist André Vegas and a very special guest
                                 The Evening Gown Parade
                            Interval—Thailand on Screen

                                                                                                         Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
                             Elimination from 20 to 10
                               Let’s meet the Top 10
                               A message from Variety
                         Performance from Frankie Stevens
          Interview with Miss Universe New Zealand 2016, Tania Dawson
                              Elimination from 10 to 5
                         Performance from Lavina Williams
          Announcement of the Winner of Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
                     Crowning of Miss Universe New Zealand

At the end of the show, accredited Media and Platinum and Gold Sponsors are invited onto the stage for
                           photos with the new Miss Universe New Zealand.

  The Miss Universe New Zealand 2017 after-party will take place in Bar twentyone here at Skycity.
                            Entry is available to all persons over 18
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
A welcome from the Executive Producer
Good evening and welcome to the Grand Final. If you are
reading this seated inside SKYCITY Theatre, then prepare
yourself for a great night of entertainment. If you have
downloaded the programme and are reading this in the
comfort of your own home and are about to watch on the
small screen, then you are in for a televisual treat.
    Tonight sees our return to free-to-air television after an
absence of a quarter-century and we are very grateful for
the support of Caroline Cleland at NBC Universal in Sydney,
Maria Mahoney at Bravo in NZ, and Ray Standidge and
the team at NZ Live for their assistance in returning us to
primetime TV.
    Tonight’s show will be packed with the drama, tension,
excitement and happiness that are a feature of the Grand
Final. In addition, you will see a spectacular performance by New Zealand’s greatest
illusionist André Vegas, who will be joined by a new assistant for the evening, Miss
Universe New Zealand 2016, Tania Dawson. Razé, one of New Zealand’s newest and
most exciting young performers, will hit the stage. We are also delighted to welcome
back Lavina Williams, whose performance in 2014 left our audience shouting for more.
    Tonight you’ll see a new parade. It’s called Pacific Fusion and it comes from our
collaboration with the design students at Sewtec. Once again, the swimwear collection
sees the contestants wearing BENCH/ and this was filmed on retreat in Thailand.
Finally, we will see our finalists in their evening gowns created by our new designer,
Sidney Eculla, who has flown in from the Philippines for tonight’s show.
    Our judges from 2016 have returned and they are Evana Patterson, Areena
Deshpande, Anna Jobsz, Samala Robinson and Frankie Stevens, and we are adding
one more name to that illustrious list: Teuila Blakely, star of the big and small screen.
Your hosts tonight are veteran TV and radio broadcaster Mark Leishman, and the
effervescent producer and presenter of Three’s morning show, The Café, Holly Pollock.
    Tonight we’ll also fly you to Thailand for the Finalists’ Retreat which took place just
a few weeks ago at the fabulous five-star Thavorn Beach Village Spa and Resort. We
must thank the owner, Lert Thavornwongse, for both his and his team’s incredible
hospitality and supreme professionalism—we cannot recommend them highly enough.
    I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors. They all feature in the
programme and their support is crucial to our success, and so I urge you in turn to
support them.
    Finally, on behalf of Miss Universe New Zealand, we would like to say a very
heartfelt and sincere thank-you to each and every one of our finalists. This year their
participation, energy and enthusiasm for every aspect of their journey with us has
been a joy to behold. Now it is time for them to take to the stage and enjoy the
culmination of that journey as we wish them all the very best of luck.

Nigel Godfrey
Executive Director & Producer
Miss Universe New Zealand
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
Message from Iris Mittenaere,
Miss Universe 2016

On January 29, I became the 65th Miss Universe and the second woman from France
to hold the title, bringing the crown home after 64 years. I am honoured to represent
my country this year and hope that I make everyone proud.
	With this title, I plan to learn and grow professionally and personally while
working with the Miss Universe Organization. There are many goals that I would
like to achieve this year and I am grateful for the opportunities I have experienced
so far. I know that this is just the beginning of more to come and I hope that you
all will be a part of my journey.
    To all of the incredible women competing, congratulations on being here tonight
and I wish you the best of luck. I hope that you enjoy this experience together and
make memories to last a lifetime.

Merci et bonne chance,
                                                                                        IMG UNIVERSE, LLC

Iris Mittenaere
Miss Universe 2016
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
MISS UNIVERSE
Message from Paula Shugart,
President, Miss Universe
Welcome to the 2017 Miss Universe New Zealand Grand Final!
    As president of the Miss Universe Organization, I have the opportunity to
meet and work with many of the incredible women who participate in our
system every year. I have been able to watch our titleholders and contestants
accomplish things that they only dreamed possible. It is undoubtedly true
that each of these women inspire others to pursue their personal and
professional goals by making an impact not only in their own communities,
but also around the world.
    As leaders and role models in their communities, our titleholders and
contestants work hard to effect positive change on issues they care about. It

                                                                                    Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
is our mission to help provide women with opportunities to achieve success
and truly change the world.
    Miss Universe is someone who is strong, determined and most
importantly, confident. Our directors work tirelessly to spread our
message about what it means to hold the title—and what an important
role it is to have.
    To all the contestants, I hope you all leave here tonight with lifelong
memories, and a newfound confidence achieved through self-awareness.
Believe in yourself and with hard work and determination, know that anything
is possible.
    Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our national director,
Nigel Godfrey, the friends and families of our contestants and tonight’s
sponsors for their support. To the newly crowned winner, I look forward to
meeting you at the next Miss Universe Competition.

Paula M. Shugart, President
The Miss Universe Organization
A WME|IMG company
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
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2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
Miss Universe NZ
Message from Tania Dawson,
Miss Universe New Zealand
2016

When people ask me about my journey as Miss Universe New Zealand, I
am often lost for words. This has been the most amazing experience and
opportunity of my life. I have been given a platform to grow, to help others and
experience the world. The best part of my journey is the people I have met
along the way, starting with the 2016 Stiletto Campers through to meeting the
world at the international final. This year, I was fortunate enough to witness
the journey that our current top 20 finalists are on. The stories and ambitions
of these women highlight the differences between the preceding generations:
the glass ceilings are shattering. This year, we have an engineer, a doctor, a

                                                                                   Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
firefighter, a scientist, lawyers and teachers—the list goes on.
    Personally, I have been humbled by the support from family, friends,
colleagues and strangers, all of whom were willing to lend a helping hand to
my journey. The overwhelming kindness I have received is something I will
treasure and remember for the rest of my life. I am excited for what my future
holds and for the wonderful woman who will take my place and represent New
Zealand at Miss Universe. May her reign be as prosperous and rewarding as
mine has been.

Tania Dawson
Miss Universe New Zealand 2016
2017 Grand Final - Miss Universe New Zealand
Celebrating
                                   our opening

       Now Open.
       t – 09 363 6699 info@huami.co.nz
       87 Federal Street, Auckland www.huami.co.nz
9530
Introduction from Miss Universe New Zealand
Returning to television after a quarter of      Charity. As our chosen charity partner,

                                                                                              Miss Universe NZ
a century, the Grand Final tonight will be      we have now raised well over $120,000
a very different beast to the last one that     for deserving Kiwi kids. The finalists have
aired on free-to-air TV.                        also raised money for SCOT Foundation,
	What you and the viewers at home               benefiting street kids and orphans in the
will see is a thoroughly reinvigorated          Philippines. We would not have been
and modern competition, with important          able to support these charities to this
returning sponsors, such as Honda New           extent without our sponsors, supporters,
Zealand, Beau Joie, BENCH/, Samala              performers, volunteers, our 20 finalists,
Robinson Academy and SRA Cosmetics,             and, of course, Miss Universe New
and brand-new Platinum Sponsors                 Zealand 2016 Tania Dawson, who has
joining our family, including Caithy            been an exemplary titleholder.
Organics and Christian Paul Sydney. You            In our fifth year, we have plenty of
will see a show that is focused on the          surprises up our sleeves, with the team
journey of all our entrants, particularly the   at Sewtec creating streetwear for our
20 finalists tonight, each of whom began        finalists, and international couturier
by entering the competition online at           Sidney Eculla coming on board to create
www.nextmissnz.com, getting selected            the 20 gowns you will enjoy tonight.
as a finalist, travelling to Thailand and       	We also wish Tania all the best as
staying at Phuket’s five-star Thavorn           she crowns her successor. Tania, a
Beach Village Resort as part of their           schoolteacher working in Mangere East,
international retreat, and soon, finding        has been every part a Miss Universe New
out who will be the next Miss Universe          Zealand, and it has been a pleasure to
New Zealand. The winner has been                work with her during her reign. We look
decided by a combination of the judges          forward to continuing our connection.

                                                                                              Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
and the voting public.                          	We thank you all for your support, and
    Each of the finalists have worked hard      have a lovely evening.
raising money for Variety—the Children’s

Nigel                                                                            Jack Yan,
Godfrey,                                                                           General
Executive                                                                         Counsel
Director
Miss Universe New Zealand and charity
Charity

          Since 2013, Miss Universe New
          Zealand has partnered with Variety—
          the Children’s Charity. ‘As long-time         and we couldn’t be more grateful for their
          supporters of Variety, the management         partnership.’
          team and contestants of Miss Universe             In 2017, Miss Universe New Zealand
          New Zealand have changed the lives of         added a second charity, SCOT Trust,
          hundreds of disadvantaged Kiwi kids           helping street kids and orphans in the
          who would otherwise go without,’ says         Philippines. While in the Philippines
          Lorraine Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at   competing at Miss Universe, Miss
          Variety—the Children’s Charity.               Universe New Zealand 2016 Tania
              ‘Through their championing of the         Dawson, and runner-up Seresa Lapaz
          Variety cause and through contestants’        both took part at SCOT Trust’s annual
          innovative fundraising initiatives, we can    gift-giving, meeting some of the children
          provide opportunities for disadvantaged       the Trust is helping. In 2017, Miss
          children to be healthier, happier, and to     Universe New Zealand will sponsor 20
          follow their dreams. The team at Miss         selected scholars through the Trust, and
          Universe New Zealand are true examples        support its 2018 Gift-Giving in Manila
          of commitment, grace and generosity,          with the new titleholder in attendance.
The fashion tonight

                     SIDNEY ECULLA

                                                                                             Tonight’s Show
                                                                  COUTURE

We are hon­oured this year to show­case designs from inter­national couturier Sidney
Eculla.
   Sidney Eculla is a self-taught designer and first worked for Manila-based designer
Edgar Allan. He has shown in New York as well as his native Philippines, where he
has dressed some of the country’s top celebrities. Sidney also develops his own
handwoven fabrics, giving his work a unique look. His couture collection that you see
tonight has been created specially for the finalists, whom he met in person during their
International Retreat in Thailand. Sidney will also create the gown that Miss Universe
New Zealand 2017 will wear at the international competition.

                                         Sewtec Fashion Academy is an NZQA-
                                         registered and accredited training provider
                                         and has been helping students into careers
                                         in fashion for over 12 years. Twenty design
                                         students have been busy creating a range of
                                         streetwear to be shown tonight in a collection
                                         they have called Pacific Fusion. We know you
                                         will enjoy New Zealand’s design future.

Our choreographer

                                                                                             Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
                        Born and raised in New Zealand, Jane Strickland spent
                        many years nurturing her craft. Her passion for performing
                        arts has taken her around the world, bringing her back to her
                        motherland only five years ago. Prior to that, Jane spent her
                        first few years in the industry performing throughout Australia in
                        both the musical theatre and corporate worlds. Continuing her
                        urge to travel, Jane then made the move to high seas, working
                        for Norwegian Cruise Line as a principal singer–dancer. Jane
                        is thrilled to be back home working alongside some of the
                        country’s most dedicated entertainers, as well as being a
                        core dancer and choreographer for one of New Zealand’s top
                        commercial dance companies, Momentum Productions.
    After having a fabulous time working with the Miss Universe New Zealand ladies at
Stiletto Camp, Jane is very excited to be this year’s choreographer for the Grand Final
and wishes all the contestants the best of luck.
Your hosts
                                   Mark Leishman                                   Holly Pollock
Meet the Hosts

                                   Mark’s career began in                          After moving from
                                   newspaper journalism                            her home town of
                                   before heading to TV,                           Leeds, Holly Pollock
                                   where     he    became                          continued her career
                                   a household name                                in per­form­ing and
                                   through shows such as                           radio.        Working
                                   Top Town, Tux Wonder                            behind the mic and in
                 Dogs, The Young Farmer Contest, Mud           marketing for many years, Holly moved
                 and Glory, Sunday Grandstand, One             into TV with Choice TV. She set up her
                 World of Sport, Jeopardy and The Great        own TV production company and is now
                 New Zealand Spelling Bee. With his wife,      Executive Producer and presenter of
                 he owns Dexterity Productions, which          Three’s weekday morn­ing entertainment
                 has produced documentaries and some           and lifestyle show The Café, alongside
                 of Mark’s well known shows. Mark is the       Mike Puru and Mel Homer. Although she
                 voice of radio station Magic, and currently   still has that Yorkshire accent (even after
                 presents Sky Television’s Country TV’s        being in New Zealand for over 17 years),
                 Daily Report and Holden Golf World.           Holly is a very proud Kiwi.

                 Meet the judges
                                       Frankie Stevens, NZOM, started his professional career at 16,
                                       moving to Sydney, before heading to London in 1970, where he
                                       won Opportunity Knocks six times in a row. He sang at both
                                       the Palladium and Albert Hall, and represented Great Britain in
                                       several song contests. Moving to the US, he performed in Las
                                       Vegas and sang with some of the biggest stars of the era, and on
                                       returning to the UK, was signed by CBS Records and appeared
                                       on numerous TV specials. A stint in Hawai’i followed, before
                 Frankie returned to New Zealand in 1982, where he continued to tour and perform.
                 He judged NZ Idol for three seasons, acted in The Matrix 2, and today continues to
                 entertain internationally. He serves as a trustee for the charity, Across the Water New
                 Zealand, to aid children who lost their loved ones in the Boxing Day Tsunami.

                 Currently on our screens as Malia in the latest season
                 of Filthy Rich, Samoan-born Teuila Blakely has
                 been a mainstay in New Zealand entertainment:
                 a founding Channel 4 and Flava FM host, the star
                 and writer of the 2003 play Island Girls, and roles
                 in Bro’ Town, Sione’s Wedding, Shortland Street (as
                 solo mother Vasa Levi), Outrageous Fortune, and
                 Westside.
Anna Jobsz has been running her own business, AJPR,

                                                                                        MEET THE judges
for 12 years, a boutique PR agency that specializes in
lifestyle, fashion, entertainment and hospitality. Anna
worked at New Zealand Fashion Week for nine years as
its publicist and international liaison. As such, she has
been around New Zealand’s top designers, models,
international media, producers and fashion industry.
Anna also runs women’s networking events, including
Ladies Who Lunch, and is an advocate for BRCA cancer
gene awareness.

                  Evana Patterson is a former director
                  of Miss Universe New Zealand, managing director of the Talent Tree,
                  a new Auckland-based talent agency, director of the Head2Heels
                  women’s empowerment workshop, and an award-winning make-up
                  artist. Evana has been involved in the modelling world for over a
                  decade, including within agencies, and has directed many fashion
                  shoots. She has worked with World TV on the annual Miss Chinese
                  Cosmos and choreographed Miss Chinese New Zealand. If this isn’t
enough to keep her busy, she is also an image consultant, personal trainer, and Mum
to her six-year-old daughter Mila.

Areena Deshpande is a social practitioner, motivational
speaker and visionary leader who runs Unique Appearances, a
consultancy specializing in helping people find educational and

                                                                                        Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
job opportunities. Her professional experience has come from a
tragedy: at age 2, Areena survived a horrific car fire which left her
five-year-old sister dead. She is an advocate for educating and
spreading awareness on burns, with a goal of providing a mutual
understanding within society between those who have endured
such injuries and those who have not.

                            Samala Robinson is the founder of New Zealand’s
                            leading make-up academy, SRA—Samala Robinson
                            Academy—and director of Samala Cosmetics. Samala
                            trained as a professional make-up artist in Sydney and
                            New York. She brought this expertise back to New
                            Zealand in the ’90s, where she became head of make-
                            up and styling at TV3. Whilst there, Samala discovered
a new talent—training young make-up artists, helping them develop their skills and
confidence. In 2000, the Samala Robinson Academy was born. Samala’s latest venture
is her very own make-up range, simply called ‘Samala’. She developed this range over
two decades with the exacting skill and precision that she applies to everything.
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Your entertainers

                                                                                         Tonight’s Entertainment
André Vegas was inspired by David Copperfield and
other magicians when he was younger—and he’s built an
entire career out of it. Many Kiwis will have seen André’s
act when he competed in New Zealand’s Got Talent, and
he continues to thrill and amaze audiences of all ages
around the country and the world with unbelievable and
remarkable action-packed magic and illusion shows.
	With nearly 40 years’ experience as a professional
entertainer, André’s sure to thrill tonight as he performs
live in front of our global audience. Just what exactly he
has in mind, you’ll have to see—but we know it involves
Miss Universe New Zealand 2016, Tania Dawson. You’ll
get a taste tonight of the largest illusion show in New
Zealand. All André will tell us is: ‘Expect the unexpected!’

                           Razé, the youngest sibling of the talented Williams
                           family, has branched out with a unique voice and style
                           in hip-hop. She scored second with her academy IDCO
                           at the World Hip Hop Championships, and blends what
                           she calls her ‘old soul persona’ with ‘a new school twist’.
                           Tonight, she shares her distinctive, majestic voice with
                           her underground sound with our audience at SKYCITY
                           Theatre and around the world.

                                                                                         Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
Lavina Williams first came to fame with the
1990s girl group MaVelle, and has performed
in musicals in Australia, France and New
Zealand. She placed eighth in the 2006
season of Australian Idol, before moving
to Germany to write and produce music for
their version of Popstars. She worked as the
vocal coach for X Factor NZ in 2015, and
tours, singing with Stan Walker and Ginny
Blackmore. Lavina is the musical director for
the trans musical People Like Us. She is the
oldest in a very talented family: chart-topper
J. Williams is her brother, sister Emily placed
second in Australian Idol in 2005, and younger sister, Razé, also performs tonight.
Miss Universe New Zealand 2017   2017 Retreat
Kate Langston, 25, is an Assistant Investigator at the
                               Office of the Ombudsman from Wellington. She received
                               her Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the bar in
                               2014. She is also a model. Kate entered Miss Universe
                               New Zealand because she hit rock bottom in 2012 and
                               now wants to try and inspire young women to get back
                               up when they “fall down the mountain”.
                                 Kate is passionate about helping others, and wants to
                               do as much as she can in her life to help those in need.
                               She ran a marathon for charity earlier this year and has
                               loved completing over eighteen events for Variety—the
                               Children’s Charity. Through her journey with MUNZ, she
                               discovered bake sale fundraisers and will continue to do
                               them for Variety and others.

  Kate Langston

Fitness enthusiast, adventure-seeker and music lover
are just a few ways to describe Holly Waghorn.
The 21-year-old is a Certified Personal Trainer from
Whakatane who loves to turn her passion of living a
healthy lifestyle and fitness into a way of helping others
become stronger and more confident in themselves. ‘I
think everyone always needs something new to take on.
Challenging ourselves is what helps us develop, and
turns us into the people we want to be. We will continue
to grow the more we push ourselves,’ she says. This
personal challenge is one reason why she had decided
to enter Miss Universe New Zealand. She has proven
to herself that she can put herself in uncomfortable
situations and come out on top having learnt more
about herself. Holly hopes to encourage others to put
themselves out there and give anything a go, because          Holly Waghorn
life shouldn’t be taken so seriously, and we need to
learn to live in the moment.

‘This competition is about representing Aotearoa and I’ve loved being able to share this
 journey with everyone along the way, building strong connections and friendships that I
 know will last a lifetime.’                                               Chloe Manga
Harlem-Cruz Ihaia, 19, from Hawke’s Bay, is New
Zealand-born and bred. She is a Kōhanga Reo teacher
that has just graduated with her Bachelor of Arts (Māori).

                                                                                               Meet the top 20
The 19-year-old is a fluent te reo Māori speaker, and she
comes from a strong background which encourages
her to stand as a proud Māori wahine through her
journey with Miss Universe New Zealand. She entered
this pageant to break the stereotypes of Māori. Whilst
being on her journey she has also gained a passion to
break the stereotypes of a pageant woman. Harlem-
Cruz believes there should not be a set image of what
a Miss Universe New Zealand contestant should look
like—everyone is beautifully unique in their own way. Her
favourite quote she stands by is, ‘Be yourself, everyone
else is already taken.’
                                                                 Harlem-Cruz
                                                                 Ihaia

                                Sophie Dalmuir is 21 years old, from Wellington,
                                New Zealand. This year she completed a Bachelor
                                of Commerce at Victoria University, majoring in
                                International Business and Marketing. She believes
                                education is essential to being a well rounded person
                                and understanding the importance of what is happening
                                currently in the world today.
                                    She works full time in radio programming–rental

                                                                                               Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
                                coordinating and helping manage a yoga studio. Yoga
                                and fitness have helped her to balance her workload
                                and mental health and she believes that being active is
                                essential for wellbeing.
                                	Her reason for entering Miss Universe New Zealand
                                was simple: to challenge herself and set an example
                                for other young women. She completed a year-long
  Sophie Dalmuir
                                exchange with AFS New Zealand in 2013 when she was
                                17, living in Gifu, Japan. She attended a local high school
                                and lived with a host family, which to date has been one
                                of her most difficult but rewarding life experiences. Since
                                then she has set a goal to challenge herself annually.

‘The Entrepreneurial Challenge was a definite highlight in my Miss Universe New
 Zealand journey. I was able to challenge myself and create something I am extremely proud
 of. Combining everything I love into one event was a dream come true, and even better that
 it was for an absolutely wonderful cause!’                                     Jenna Bellve
Dancer–choreographer by profession, Danielle
                                               Booth has had the opportunity to spread her passion,
                                               inspiration and message to follow their dreams with all
MEET THE TOP 20

                                               her students since the age of 14. Now 27, Danielle has
                                               over 13 years’ experience working as a dance teacher,
                                               including in the Middle East for a year as a performer
                                               and teacher. There, she grew a further appreciation for
                                               culture and a wider knowledge of the world.
                                               	Danielle is inspired by people who aren’t afraid to
                                               be themselves. One of her biggest inspirations is Bear
                                               Grylls. ‘He just knows how to make the most out of life—
                                               his enthusiasm and love for life should encourage us all!’
                                               Danielle enjoys travel, fitness, family, reading inspirational
                                               books and musical theatre.
                    Danielle Booth                If Danielle wins Miss Universe NZ she wants to use
                                               the platform to encourage all those who cross her path
                                               to be who they are, believe in themselves and follow
                                               their dreams. Her favourite quote is from Disney: ‘Have
                                               courage and be kind.’

                  Rebecca Parkinson, 20, from Auckland, is of
                  Chinese and Kiwi descent. She is currently studying
                  towards a Bachelor of Arts double-majoring in Chinese
                  and Japanese, working part-time as a Beauty Adviser
                  for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. Rebecca aspires to go
                  to China to become an actress, as she is passionate
                  about storytelling and desires to feel more connected to
                  her oriental roots.
                      She entered Miss Universe New Zealand to experience
                  something new and step out of her comfort zone. ‘Miss
                  Universe New Zealand is all about going on a journey
                  alongside 19 other beautiful and intelligent young
                  women. She developed a sense of feeling “confidently
                  beautiful” and equipped with newly learned life skills.’
                  If she were to win Miss Universe New Zealand, she              Rebecca
                  would use the platform to encourage people to spread
                                                                                 Parkinson
                  kindness, and to empower women across New Zealand.
                  Rebecca firmly believes that ‘everybody deserves to feel
                  beautiful about themselves.’

                  ‘Miss Universe New Zealand has been one of the most rewarding experiences
                   to date. I have loved making new lifelong friends, enjoying new challenges and
                   putting myself out there.’                                       Sophie Dalmuir
Chloe Manga is 24 years old and affiliates to Ngāti
                               Kahu and Te Rarawa. Chloe works as a lawyer at a
                               general practice firm in Auckland and is also studying a

                                                                                             Meet the top 20
                               part time LL M (Master of Laws). She has a passion for
                               Māori, indigenous rights and women’s rights, the last of
                               which form the driving motivation behind her decision to
                               enter into the Miss Universe New Zealand competition.
                               She wants to be a positive role model for young women,
                               to encourage them to embrace their full potential.

  Chloe Manga

Acacia Walker, 20, was born and raised in New
Zealand. The student, music enthusiast and animal
lover is passionate about helping others. Having lived
in eight different locations around the nation, you could
say she’s pretty spontaneous! She is passionate about
entertaining people, and envisions herself working in the

                                                                                             Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
media or music industry in the near future, which Miss
Universe New Zealand has helped her realize!
   Acacia wishes to empower everyone and encourage
communities to speak more openly about tender topics
such as anxiety and depression, suicide and Māori
stereotypes.

                                                               Acacia Walker

‘A once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve travelled to a new country, made beautiful friends,
 and gained confidence in myself.’                                    Rebecca Parkinson
Shekinah Delos Santos, 22, has recently graduated
                               with a Bachelor of Laws degree and completed her
                               Professional Legal Studies, waiting to be admitted to the
                               Bar this November. Becoming a lawyer has always been
                               a childhood dream for Shekinah as she was inspired
                               by John Grisham’s novels that she would sneak out of
                               her Mum’s room to read at night. ‘It wasn’t really the
                               legal field that made me want to be a lawyer but it was
                               the way Grisham portrayed lawyers as ultimate real-life
                               heroes by helping people in need.’
                                  Shekinah saw a platform through Miss Universe New
                               Zealand to raise awareness to issues that are close
                               to her heart. Working hand in hand with Variety—the
                               Children’s Charity has made her realize how much
                               this competition is not about her, but more about the
  Shekinah Delos               disadvantaged Kiwi kids the Entrepreneurial Challenges
  Santos                       can sponsor, the orphaned children that benefit from the
                               votes through SCOT Foundation, and most importantly
                               the people who have helped her in the journey thus far.

Sophia Le Grice, 19, currently lives in Cockle Bay,
Auckland. She wants to break stereotypes through
entering Miss Universe New Zealand, and dreams to
keep the community safe as she strives to become a
police officer to help those affected by domestic abuse,
as well as helping neglected children through Variety—
the Children’s Charity, to raise awareness about such a
growing area in today’s society.
    Nothing holds Sophia back, as her strong willpower
and urge to follow her dreams pushes past any negative
influences or opinions, whilst doing the best for herself
and the people close to her.
    Being an entertainer at Rainbow’s End has allowed
her to become a passionate actress. ‘Entering Miss
Universe New Zealand has been my biggest achievement          Sophia Le Grice
in life so far, allowing me to help people in need and
preaching the things I am passionate about, which has
made me realize who I am as a person throughout this
amazing journey.’

‘One word for my journey with Miss Universe New Zealand is this “diversity”! So many
 cultures, religions, beliefs all put together in one amazing and beautiful melting pot.’
                                                                            Brooke Houia
Rénée Clayton, 24, is a journalist and entrepreneur
from Palmerston North who is living in Auckland. Part of
Parewahawaha Marae and of Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent,

                                                                                                   MEET THE TOP 20
Rénée joined Miss Universe New Zealand to step out of
her comfort zone and to inspire others to do the same.
    Rénée encourages others to see that not matter who
you are or where you come from, you can accomplish
anything you put your mind to.
    ‘If crowned I would step into the role and become it. I
will create positive changes in society and help remove
limitations and fears which have been embedded in
people’s minds today.’
    She believes representing New Zealand is not only
about beauty, but a combination of drive, ambition,
innovation, courage and a warm, giving and kind heart.
    ‘I am a woman with a big vision, a leader, a voice             Rénée Clayton
for the public, an educator and an informer working
alongside some of the most powerful people. It is my
job to push for changes and to shine light on the good.’
    Rénée says the best part of her Miss Universe New
Zealand journey has been getting to know the other
amazing young women.

                                 Fun, adventurous, ice-cream-loving 21-year-old Tuljai
                                 Parkar is an engineering student and a part-time
                                 swimming instructor. She entered this competition
                                 in her quest to challenge herself and embrace new

                                                                                                   Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
                                 experiences and opportunities. She represents the
                                 intelligent and beautiful Kiwi woman who loves life and
                                 lives it with confidence.
                                 	Her hobbies are rock-climbing, dancing and playing
                                 the violin. You don’t want to mess with her as she has
                                 a black belt in karate, and she’s also trained in Brazilian
                                 martial arts and taekwondo.
                                 	Her favourite quote is: ‘Those who are crazy enough
                                 to think that they can change the world are the ones
                                 who do.’ She hopes to inspire young people to think for
                                 themselves, and most importantly believe that they can
  Tuljai Parkar
                                 do anything they put their mind to.

‘Helping others is the greatest and most rewarding feeling you will ever receive and this is why
 I am incredibly honoured to have been in Miss Universe New Zealand.’ Kate Langston
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Jenna Bellve is a passionate make-up artist from
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                                                                                             MEET THE TOP 20
their very best.
   Jenna already contributes to multiple fundraising
causes, supports local businesses and events and
volunteers her time to the community.
   Jenna endeavours to be a strong role model
in everything she does and is always looking for
opportunities to empower others. She has a background
in dance, performance and the arts and is a two-time
national finalist for the NZ Modern Dance Association
awards.
   Jenna believes that you will always grow in confidence
and happiness if you challenge yourself every day.
                                                              Jenna Bellve

                              Zeta Fraser, 23, is an events and operations director,
                              from Hamilton. She recently completed her Bachelor
                              of Management studies, majoring in economics and
                              strategic management.
                              	Having first entered Miss Universe New Zealand
                              in 2014, she made the decision to re-enter as ‘it is a
                              priceless experience’. Zeta says the experience has

                                                                                             Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
                             ‘fostered her confidence,’ which she attributes to making
                              who she is today.
                                 If she were to become Miss Universe New Zealand,
                              she would like to bring attention to some of the
                              country’s core issues, one being the cycle of poverty in
                              New Zealand. ‘Education is key to breaking this cycle.
                              We need to ensure all Kiwi kids are provided with the
                              necessities in order to learn effectively, so that they have
 Zeta Fraser                  greater access to opportunities in life.’
                                 Zeta has found this journey to be life-changing and is
                              thankful for the experience and lifelong friends she has
                              made.

‘A new challenge + the fear of failure + the support of family and friends
 × determination = empowerment + success.’                   Bailey Anderson
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‘Diversity’ describes Brooke Houia in every way.
                               Whangai (adopted) from birth, Brooke has a large
                               extended family, with seven iwis and pākehā roots.

                                                                                           MEET THE TOP 20
                               	With a special needs brother and as the daughter
                               of a burns’ survivor and MS sufferer, Brooke learned
                               compassion and empathy from a very young age.
                               She is a dancer and kapa haka performer. At 6 ft
                               Brooke utilized her height to become a representative
                               netball player for New Zealand and Australia. An early
                               childhood teacher, qualified nanny and make-up artist,
  Ella Wilson                  model and brand ambassador, Brooke shows dyslexia
                               doesn’t hold anyone back, and she prides herself on
                               being adaptable and professional. And Brooke actually
                               has two differently coloured eyes!
                                  Entering Miss Universe New Zealand is the single
  Brooke Houia
                               most satisfying thing Brooke credits as having happened
                               to her. ‘Since a young girl I dreamt about being in Miss
                               Universe New Zealand. I aspire to represent our beautiful
                               wahine and country, Aotearoa, on a universal stage.’
                                  Brooke lives by the quote, “Beauty is skin deep;
                               beautiful is soul deep!’

Bailey Anderson, 21, was born and raised in beautiful
Lake Taupō, and is studying a double degree in
psychology and physiology at Auckland University. She
entered Miss Universe New Zealand to gain confidence,

                                                                                           Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
challenge herself, and meet new people. Bailey would
love to see mental illness destigmatized in schools and
students taught coping mechanisms, with friends and
teachers educated further in how they can support
those that are suffering. She intends to use her degree
to help make a difference. When Bailey is not studying
or nannying you will find her at the gym or taking a
dance class—jazz or tap. Raising money for Variety—
the Children’s Charity has been an amazingly rewarding
challenge, and with Bailey’s love of children she can’t
wait to sponsor a child. Her favourite quote is: ‘You can’t   Bailey
help everyone but everyone can help someone!’€
                                                              Anderson

‘My journey with Miss Universe New Zealand allowed me to understand that I am
 beautiful like everyone else in this world, and that I am capable.’ Irene Rew
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                                 Te Kōhanga Reo o Waiohiki Marae
Global citizen, a member of UN Youth, photographer,
                               and an active volunteer—these define Irene Rew. This
                               21-year-old was raised in Auckland until three years ago

                                                                                             MEET THE TOP 20
                               when she moved to Dunedin to major in neuroscience
                               at the University of Otago. Outside her university life,
                               she spends her weekends tutoring English and her
                               holidays volunteering for various non-governmental
                               organizations. Irene has spent her life raising awareness
                               on global issues and campaigning on the importance
                               of human rights, particularly focusing on the areas of
                               mental health and education. She continues to speak
                               out, and asserts that if she were to represent New
                               Zealand at Miss Universe, she would actively participate
                               in transforming the lives of millions that are living under
                               the poverty line.
  Irene Rew

Seizing opportunities and embarking on many
adventures has led Hannah Henderson to live her
21 years extraordinarily. ‘I’ve seen a lot of the world,
its beauty and heartache. I found my love for animal
welfare as well as the excitement and intensity of the film
industry. From night duties with the Wellington SPCA on
the emergency reserve team, rescuing over 800 animals,

                                                                                             Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
floodwaters and national disasters are no new thing
to me. I’m not one to give in under pressure or let fear
strike down my dreams or limits, which is what I hope to
show and inspire others in my life or watching my journey,
better yet be a part of it!’ she says.
    ‘My journey with Miss Universe New Zealand has been
full of growth, leadership and a proud representation of
our country. I hope other women watching my journey
choose to be a part of MUNZ and create their own               Hannah
journey.’                                                      Henderson

‘Miss Universe New Zealand has changed my life. It has been a journey which has fostered
 my confidence and encouraged me to face challenges head on.’               Zeta Fraser
OWN THE KNIGHT
                                                TM

   info@brandhouse.co.nz www.brandhouse.co.nz
Sarah Hensby-Bennett is a junior doctor working in
                               Waikato. Before entering medical school, she completed
                               a Bachelor of Science specializing in cancer, genetics

                                                                                            MEET THE TOP 20
                               and reproductive science. She used this to research the
                               genetics of a rare ovarian tumour. Sarah is passionate
                               about promoting better accessibility to health care and
                               encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM fields
                               (science, technology, engineering and medicine).
                                  ‘If a woman is interested in feminine things like make-
                               up or hair then she is actively discouraged from entering
                               these traditionally masculine jobs. No one should tell
                               a woman what she should or shouldn’t be interested
                               in under the guise of feminism. If a girl wants to play
                               with make-up and be the next prime minister then more
                               power to her,’ she says.
  Sarah Hensby-                   If Sarah were to win Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
  Bennett                      she plans on using the title and Honda to take health
                               care to the rural children of Waikato and empower them
                               with both education and preventative health care.

Johandi Jordaan was born in South Africa and
immigrated to New Zealand at the age of 8. Now 19,
she lives in Coatesville, Auckland. Growing up she had
a passion for equestrian sports and enjoyed competing
and succeeding at equestrian events. During her last
year of school in 2015 she realized she had a hidden
passion for aviation! Last year, Johandi completed her

                                                                                            Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
Private Pilot’s Licence at Massey University, and hopes
to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
   ‘Since I am taking a gap year I thought it would be
perfect timing to enter Miss Universe New Zealand 2017
and now I find myself a top 20 finalist! I have no regrets!
This has just been the most amazing journey,’ she says.
   ‘I would love to inspire young women to follow
their dreams and not allow age, appearance, financial         Johandi
matters or background to restrict them. Everybody is
capable if they set their minds to pursuing a passion.
                                                              Jordaan
Perseverance is the key. So far I’ve really enjoyed raising
funds for Miss Universe New Zealand’s chosen charities
and I am looking forward to engaging more into charity
work, especially with children.’

‘My Miss Universe New Zealand journey has been incredible, highlighted by our
 visit to exotic Phuket with a bunch of the nicest girls. Organizing and running the
 Entrepreneurial Challenge has given me an opportunity to empower myself, explore my
 inner creativity and give back to the community.’                        Tuljai Parkar
Credits
                    CEO: Nigel Godfrey
                 General Counsel: Jack Yan
             Production Associate: Aloha Quitat

                    Production Credits
Credits

              Executive Producer: Nigel Godfrey
             Television Director: Nigel Carpenter
               Choreographer: Jane Strickland
                Evening Gowns: Sidney Eculla
               Make-up Supervisor: Gee Pikinga
                 Pacific Fusion Parade: Sewtec
             Outside Broadcast Facilities: NZ Live
                 Live Stream: Brendan Quaife
                       LED Screen: Oceania
                            Catwalk: V3
           Deputy Stage Manager: Matt Johnston
                         Stage Crew: HLX
          PA to the Exec. Producer: Bev Adair Beets
                Stills’ Photographer: Alan Raga
                     Event Ticketing: iTICKET
            For NBC Universal: Caroline Cleland
                  For Bravo: Maria Mahoney
           For SKYCITY: Jep Savali & Mark Betty
                            For Variety:
              Lorraine Taylor & Emma Burton
                          For SCOT Trust:
              Nanette Carillo & Mike de Boer

           Alan Raga Photography

            w w w. a l a n r a g a . c o m
Could you be the
next Miss Universe?
Registrations for Miss Universe New                              our Stiletto Camp dates—we could
Zealand 2018 open now at www.                                    hold our first in December 2017, and an
nextmissnz.com—head there and your                               additional one in the New Year. Don’t
own journey could begin! Keep an eye                             delay—you could be on your way to
on our website and Facebook page for                             becoming the next Miss Universe!

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